Learn Music Theory

and How to Read Music

Music theory, in a nutshell, is the study of the mechanics of music - from the sounds to the notation.

For the everyday musician like you and me, theory has to do with two parts of the musical experience.

First, written music and how to both interpret and create musical notation for ourselves.

Reading music allows a musician to recreate a piece by sight, just as reading words allows you to tell a story exactly as the author wrote it.

The flip side of reading music is the ability to write music, which allows musicians to record musical thoughts and ideas on paper.

Secondly, music theory encompasses our ability as musicians to understand what we hear in any style of music we love.

Have you ever heard a song played live, or on the radio or a recording, and thought, "oh, I wish I knew what that chord progression was! I love that sound!"

Learning how sounds relate to one another is like learning a foreign language. Once you know the vocabulary and grammar, you can listen to the language being spoken and begin to understand what is being said, whereas before it was just babble.

In the same way, you can learn to recognize sound patterns, chords, and progressions.

Of course, music theory is a very broad discipline and what I've mentioned is just the tip of the iceberg! Like any field of study, the opportunities for deeper and deeper learning are endless.

From beginning to advanced, there's help and lessons out there for you!

Are you a visual learner? Would you like to learn online, with exercises and games using your mouse and keyboard? Want to get started with free web resources?

Click here to the visit the music theory online page. I've found three excellent free, online resources for you to start learning your theory right now!

Just beginning your theory studies?

Visit beginner music theory for more tips and tools to help you get started.

Been a musician for a while, and have the basics under your belt? Looking to dig deeper?

Click over to advanced music theory.

Want a bit more fun? I've got you covered! Check out some cool, interactive games to help you learn your theory!

Short answer? Yes! :-)

Long answer? Yes -- but the how and the time frame are entirely up to you.

If you're learning classical piano, then music theory is already included the methods you're using. Your teacher may also have you do extra theory work to help you learn faster!

Learning theory is only going to help you in understanding and performing the music you're playing. And it will help you read music easier and faster!

If you're learning chord method piano because you just want to play from lead sheets and jam with your friends, you'll learn bits of theory here and there as they apply to your playing. And as you get more interested in how to write songs and get the sound you want.

The more you learn, the easier music will become, and the better musician you'll be!

Actually, I think studying the nuts and bolts of music is fun. And just think how impressed your friends will be when you can read music or tell them the chord progression of their favorite songs! ;-)

Remember: you can do it!

More on Music Theory:

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